Impact of a Developmental Care Training Course on the Knowledge and Satisfaction of Health Care Professionals in Neonatal Units: A Multicenter Study

The impact of health-related continuing education courses on knowledge acquisition and clinical practice is infrequently evaluated, despite higher numbers of people enrolling in them. The majority of health care professionals working in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) have received no training in developmental care (DC). The purpose of this study was to determine whether participation in a theoretical-practical course on DC had an effect on the degree of knowledge possessed by professionals in general terms and with respect to neonatal intensive care. The relationship between course satisfaction and knowledge acquisition was also studied. Methods: This was an observational multicenter study conducted in 20 neonatal units in Madrid. A pre- and post-course questionnaire evaluated both knowledge and satisfaction levels regarding the course on DC and the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP). We carried out a multivariate linear regression analysis to determine whether there was a correlation between knowledge gained and satisfaction level. Results: A total of 566 professionals participated, with a 99% pre-course and a 90% post-course response rate. The mean rate of correct pre-course answers was 65%, while the mean rate of post-course correct answers was 81% (p < 0.001). Results were similar at all levels of neonatal care (Level I: 64% vs 80%; Level II: 64% vs. 83%; and Level III: 65% vs. 81%). Scores on a scale of satisfaction from 1 to 5 were high (averages of above 4 for all lectures and workshops). Pre-course knowledge scores, but not satisfaction, significantly influenced post-course knowledge (β 0.499; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Previous DC knowledge among Madrid health care professionals was similar, regardless of the level of neonatal care. Course attendance significantly improved the rate of correct answers. Although course satisfaction was high, there did not seem to be a correlation between knowledge gained and satisfaction

CMOS Analog Filter Design for Very High Frequency Applications

A design strategy for the synthesis of high-selectivity/low-order analog filters in Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) technology for very high frequency (VHF) applications is presented. The methodology for the reconstitution of a given transfer function by means of Signal Flow Graphs (SFG) manipulation in canonical form is proposed leading to a fully differential g m -C biquad filter. As a practical example, the design of a notch filter intended to suppress interferers in the lower sideband (400 MHz) of the Medical Implant Communication Service (MICS), in single-poly, 6-metal layers; Mixed-Signal/RF 0.18 &micro;m CMOS technology is realized. To compare the performance of the proposal with some other solution, the design of a 7th order elliptic notch filter based on Frequency Dependent Negative Resistors (FDNRs) was also accomplished. The attained simulation results prove that the proposal is competitive compared to the FDNR solution and some other state-of-the-art filters reported in the literature. The most salient features of the proposed notch biquad include: the selectivity, whose value is comparable to that of a 7th order elliptic approach and some other 3rd order filters; a high-frequency operation without resonators; linearity, with a +15 dBm I I P 3 ; a reduced form factor with a total occupied area of 0.004282 mm2 and mostly a low design complexity